How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I learned about WLS via my nutritionist who had the magazine in her office, but I found the web site by accident.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

My old insurance would have covered (around the time the doctor initially suggested this surgery) then I finally consented to it my new insurance had an exclusion. I purchased my own policy and hopefully I will not have the same problem. I would say to anyone go purchase your own policy instead of trying to come up with the money to pay for the surgery. There are too many what if's that are not covered and depending what state you live in you might die waiting (no Offense). Midwestern states seems to be callous towards healthcare needs.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My first visit was very informative, I felt comfortable, Dr. Wong gave lots of information and allowed me to ask as many questions as possible. Be prepared to ask questions - no matter how silly you might think them to be. If you cannot communicate with your surgeon - you might consider changing - This type of surgery needs good vibes - change is a necessary function in life -

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The threat of becoming a diabetic and was not the needles, but all the complications that come with diabetes. I have a friend who is diabetic and her major problems is getting stuck somewhere and not having the time to have her meals on time or injections - she has had many close calls. And has lasped into a diabetic coma on too many occasions.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I want the Lapiscopic (spelling) - and hope that a last min decision does not have to be made. Less trama to the body the better. At first I was going to get the band, but given my pituitary and glands disorders the band would have been too much of a challange medically for me. I think the band is appropriate for those who simply overeat and need to gain control.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

Since I work in healthcare - I dread knowing too much as this is can be good and bad at the same times. Knowing too too much is sometimes worse.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

I have shared this event with all my family members except my husband yet. I want to make sure I go through with it. I have shared with my co-workers and one friend. I have everyones support expect for one person, who is actually afraid of her own shadow.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I believe because I was very pro-active in my care I received superior care in the hospital. I bought too much the hospital provided me with everything I needed and believe that is a first!

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

NONE - can you believe so far NONE!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was very anxious waiting for various things to happen that I read on the board, but they never happened to me - however because of all the "shared" information I was prepared in every way. For example, some one said a tummy binder would come in handy and it did. My tummy seem to be lumpy and wiggly first few days. That binder let me walk and bend better without strain.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

My first week home I was able to sleep in my bed in a semi sitting position and a pillow near by for coughing. Coughing is good (but it hurts) it allows the lungs to expand. I slept for almost 2 weeks - I mean I woke up took a sip of water or clear liquid and was knocked out for about 4 hours. It is almost like being an infant.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

10 days Post-op I decided to try some exercise - I felt so good - I over did it and caused me to have strain a muscle in my stomach - it was worst than the surgery pain - and took about 7 days to past, but I thought it would never stop going to work made it even worst.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

None so far.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

My support has been the Obestityhelp.com web site. People have shared everything from pooping, hiccups to execising - it has been a real life saver for me.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

LAP left a few pin-like marks that are not a problem so far I know they will eventually fade - and if they don't I DON"T CARE!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Has this much talked about plateau last month, however, because I had read so much about it I decided to wait it out and sure enough it ended without notice just like it began.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, most of the people I am around knew me before the weight gain to obesity - or they are being evasive becuase perhaps they think I will gain it back - the weight I lost has not made a significant difference in my appearance as I always wore "big" clothes - in the summer they might notice - you think? I've been asked a lot of questions about my apparent change, but no one has said "did you lose weight," - My obesity made me feel safe I hide behind it and it appeared I went unnoticed (how I don't know becuase I had gotten HUGE). I do not want attention, but if I do get it I think I can handle it better at this point in my life.